Electrostrictive Polymer Seal Actuator for Haptic Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing haptic feedback systems in electronic devices with touch screens, such as piezo and electromagnetic actuators, are inadequate due to high operating voltages, bulkiness, and energy inefficiency, which also compromise sealing and touch area functionality, especially in portable devices.

Innovation Solution

Employing an electrostrictive polymer as a combined haptic-seal actuator attached to the screen, which provides haptic feedback through shape changes in response to user input, maintaining the seal intact and offering shock absorption capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If piezo actuators are used for tactile feedback, then haptic feedback is provided, but high operating voltages are required and sealing is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetactile feedbackVSAvoidsealing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the sealing function and haptic actuation function into a single integrated component - the electrostrictive polymer seal acts as both the sealing element and the haptic actuator, eliminating the need for separate components and air gaps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrostrictive polymer seal performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides sealing to prevent water and dust ingress, generates haptic feedback through electrostriction, and absorbs shock, making it a multi-functional component

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If electromagnetic actuators are used for tactile feedback, then haptic feedback is provided, but the device becomes bulky

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetactile feedbackVSAvoidactuator size

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional electromagnetic actuators with an electrostrictive polymer-based actuator that uses electrostriction (a dielectric effect) instead of electromagnetic fields, enabling a much more compact design with no moving parts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If piezo or electromagnetic actuators are used for tactile feedback, then haptic feedback is provided, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetactile feedbackVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operating parameters by using electrostrictive polymers that can achieve large deformations at lower voltages compared to piezo actuators, and by operating at frequencies that minimize energy loss, thereby reducing overall energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If separate flexible sealing is used with piezo and electromagnetic actuators, then sealing is maintained, but touch areas are reduced and design is complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesealingVSAvoiddesign complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the sealing function and haptic actuation function into a single integrated component - the electrostrictive polymer seal acts as both the sealing element and the haptic actuator, eliminating the need for separate components and air gaps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The electrostrictive polymer actuator efficiently provides haptic feedback while maintaining the screen seal, reducing energy consumption and enhancing durability, allowing for effective tactile feedback and shock absorption in portable devices.

Implementation Method 1

Electrostrictive polymers offer energy efficient actuation with much larger strain than other technologies mentioned above. The electrostrictive polymers change shape tens of times more than piezo materials which comparable voltages applied.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostriction: Electrostriction

Data Source

PatentUS7342573B2Electrostrictive polymer as a combined haptic-seal actuator

Publication Date: 2008.03.11 WSOU INVESTMENTS LLC

AI summary

This invention describes a method for a haptic (tactile) feedback to a user of an electronic device having a touch display (screen) by utilizing an electrostrictive polymer as a combined haptic-seal actuator attached to the touch screen. In addition, the combined seal-actuator also makes a shock absorber. The electrostrictive polymer is a suitable material for haptic-seal-shock absorbing actuator because of its robustness and large stroke.